Who will lead the Gauteng DA come Christmas?
Updated | By Pieter van der Merwe
The position of Gauteng leader, the person who will lead the provincial structures into the 2019 general elections, is being contensted by two individuals: Incumbent John Moodey and newcomer Ghaleb Cachalia.
Democrats in Gauteng are set to gather for the party's provincial elective congress this weekend, where members will elect a provincial leader.
Incumbent John Moodey is seeking re-election for his fourth term.
He is being challenged by Ghaleb Cachalia, the son of anti-Apartheid activists Amina and Yusuf Cachalia.
He joined the DA in early 2016 and believes a new leader should lead the province into 2019.
"If we continue doing the same things and expecting a different result, we are not going to get there," says Cachalia, describing the 2019 general elections as a "unique opportunity" for the party.
The DA established coalition governments in three major metro's accross South Africa after the 2016 local elections, two of which are in Gauteng.
The ANC however managed to retain Ekurhuleni, where Cachalia ran as mayoral candidate for the DA.
Moodey describes the electoral victories in 2016, and an increase in support in Gauteng in 2014, as the "fruits" of a strategy implemented as far back as 2006.
-Experience vs Legacy-
Moodey has been a part of the DA since 1998, and started out as a ward counsellor in 2000, according to his profile on the party's website.
He has risen through the ranks, as he puts it, and claims his methods are tried and tested.
Moodey says he has the expertise and experience that has transformed the official opposition in South Africa's economic hub.
Unlike his opponent, Cachalia has limited experience when it comes to DA politics and is yet to complete a first term as a Member of Parliament.
He nevertheless insists he has the necessary experience to lead the party.
"I have entrepreneurial experience, I have business experience, I have experience in multinationals," says Cachalia.
He has led negotiations for the De Beers Group in a number of countries, held executive positions, and founded Mentisfactum Advisory Services.
He adds: "Politics runs in my veins, it was the bread and butter around the table that a grew up with. Multiple generations of Cachalia's have sacrificed and deliverd to this country in terms of political contribution. I aim to do the same."
-The road ahead-
He says the DA needs to ensure that the party stands out from the ANC and establish a clear destinction from the governing party's policies.
The party needs to understand how to reach out to ANC voters, who sat on their hands when South Africans lined up at voting stations in 2016, explains Cachalia.
He adds: "You need an efficient administration, I think our administration could do with some fixing. We need a transparent administration, I think our administration could do with some more tranparency."
Moodey however is already campaigning and says their strategy has already been budgeted for.
This includes door-to-door campaigning with a specific focus on townships.
The current administration plans to send around 40 000 activists to the homes of potential voters, setting up a communication system between officials and those on the ground, and ensuring supporters actually make their mark.
"There is no better way to build trust than to have... activists actually going out there promoting the Democratic Alliance, spreading the message of hope."
Moodey believes his strategy would secure a victory for the DA in Gauteng in 2019.
"It is a matter of us implementing the plan and finishing off the task," says Moodey, adding, "we will change the political landscape of South Africa moving forward, and that is my last dream."
But Cachalia says the DA needs a fresh approach as he does not "believe anybody should run for four terms".
Meanwhile, the incumbent says he has delivered on his mandate, enjoys widespread support and is therefore confident "that the people will vote for a tried and tested leader".
The 2017 Gauteng Provincial Elective Congress will take place at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand on Saturday.
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